Suzette Cook
Newberry Mayor Jordan Marlowe invited the City of Archer Commission to the table to talk about a potential wastewater facility partnership.
At the Dec. 14th regular meeting, Marlowe addressed the Commission and said that,” Newberry is about out of capacity,” and as they came up with plans for a new wastewater treatment plant, they wanted to see if Archer was interested in being included in those plans.
“We share a special relationship,” Marlowe said about Archer. “Your kids are our kids. We are poised to work together and find ways to work together to protect our future.”
Marlowe said that Newberry is about five months out before having a conversation that will be too late as plans for a new facility need to be completed to move forward.
It’s a “simple request” Marlowe said about the invitation to talk about engineering a new advanced wastewater facility that could serve as a regional wastewater system.
Marlowe touted that he is impressed with Newberry City Manager Mike New and Archer City Manager Charles “Tony” Hammond’s ability to take care of projects and asked that the Commission direct the city managers to meet to discuss plans before the next five months.
“Hash out if there is a possibility,” Marlowe said. “Put those two guys at a table and they can figure it out before my clock runs out and we have our plant designed.”
Commissioner Joani White said she wanted an engineer to also attend the meeting. Commissioner Fletcher Hope recommended that Archer draft a memorandum of understanding.
“It benefits, to a degree, that all our residents would appreciate an increased level of service,” Marlowe said and he suggested they set up two meetings.
“One for information and another after sleeping on it,” he said. “Gather facts and bring it back to the commission.”
The Archer Commission agreed unanimously to explore the opportunity.